http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/reconciliation/ en-us Sun, 5 Oct 2008 19:16:13 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2098097/posts A pair of suicide bombers struck around 8 a.m. Thursday, as Shiite worshipers streamed out of morning prayers at two mosques in Baghdad, killing at least 16 people and injuring more than 50. North of the capital, gunmen opened fire on a minibus outside the city of Baqubah, killing six members of a Sunni family, including children ages 5 and 6, authorities said. The attacks were grim reminders of the sectarian tensions that turned Iraq into a killing field in 2006 after bombs nearly destroyed a much-venerated Shiite shrine in the ancient city of Samarra. But consider what happened in... The Washington Post http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2098097/posts#comment Sun, 5 Oct 2008 19:16:13 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2091795/posts MCCAIN: Jim, when I came home from prison, I saw our veterans being very badly treated, and it made me sad. And I embarked on an effort to resolve the POW-MIA issue, which we did in a bipartisan fashion, and then I worked on normalization of relations between our two countries so that our veterans could come all the way home. I guarantee you, as president of the United States, I know how to heal the wounds of war, I know how to deal with our adversaries, and I know how to deal with our friends. KansasCity.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2091795/posts#comment Sat, 27 Sep 2008 15:51:53 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2050902/posts TIKRIT — More than 1,100 former fighters have reconciled with Iraqi Security and Coalition forces in the Salah ad Din province since May. Musalahah, meaning reconciliation in Arabic, is a combined effort between the Qadah level Government of Iraq, the leadership of the Iraqi Police, the 4th Iraqi Army Division and the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. By turning themselves into the Joint Coordination Centers across the province, Iraqis are seeking to clear their names. Men who are thought to have committed crimes are given a court date, so they can plead their cases before an Iraqi judge.... Multi-National Force - Iraq http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2050902/posts#comment Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:37:15 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1982625/posts I do a lot of freelance writing for non-profit organizations and, frequently, while attending brainstorming sessions, I will hear the phrase "We need to 'Think Outside the Box' on this one.""Thinking Outside the Box" has become a mantra for Americans. It means to conceive ideas that are not commonplace; to one-up the competition with original creativity; to find a new path to profit that has yet to be exploited in the marketplace.In fact our society is obsessed with "Thinking Outside the Box." People continually search for new ways to entertain themselves, to feed themselves, to exercise themselves, to justify themselves,... Catholic Exchange http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1982625/posts#comment Sat, 8 Mar 2008 22:23:34 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1972863/posts Advice from Fr. Philip Neri’s ConfessionalI. Starting point: 1. Sin. When we sin we abuse a gift from God. Just about every sin we commit can be traced back to a disordered use of some grace we have received from God. Abusing God’s gifts is a dangerous practice b/c it is through the charitable use of our divine gifts for others that God perfects His love us. If you are not using your gifts for the benefit of others then God’s love is not being perfected in you. 2. Forgiveness. When we ask for forgiveness we are not asking... Domine, da mihi hanc aquam! http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1972863/posts#comment Tue, 19 Feb 2008 18:29:58 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1961045/posts WASHINGTON, Jan. 28, 2008 – Security improvements have spurred reconciliation in the Madain Qada region along the Diyala and Tigris rivers in Iraq, an area that had been plagued by brutal sectarian violence, a U.S. commander there said. “We have made amazing progress along all lines of operation, but it is security that opened all the doors to allow us to get (reconciliation) going,” Army Col. Wayne Grigsby, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division’s 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, said during a teleconference with online journalists and “bloggers” Jan. 25. Grigsby said his unit has conducted 166 named operations in... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1961045/posts#comment Mon, 28 Jan 2008 23:24:39 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1955515/posts Reconciliation in Iraq: Don't Hold Your Breath By Colonel Norvell B. DeAtkine, U.S. Army (Retired) The war-torn nation is a victim of its tortured history. The word "reconciliation" has become a synonym for success in Iraq. It was enshrined as the centerpiece of the 18 benchmarks imposed on the Iraqi government by domestic American political pressures, presumably to have some measure of success or failure in an unpopular conflict. The concept as enunciated in the troop surge was that the calming of Baghdad would give the Iraqi politicians time to work out the differences between the various sectarian demands. The... U.S. Naval Institue Proceedings http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1955515/posts#comment Fri, 18 Jan 2008 02:44:18 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1949562/posts Description of book: At its heart, this book is a comforting companion and helpful counselor for average Christians interacting with the law, perhaps feeling bewildered, overwhelmed, or uneasy about how their legal situations align with their Christian morals and beliefs. The book is comprehensive in scope, but written in a friendly, conversational tone. The legal topics addressed are carefully selected to cover those most likely to be encountered by regular folks in the course of their everyday lives. By presenting a practical Christian perspective informed by God's rich array of relevant scriptural wisdom, this book will release multitudes of Christian... IsThereALawyerInTheChurch.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1949562/posts#comment Mon, 7 Jan 2008 13:59:13 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1946554/posts BAQUBA, Iraq (Army News Service, Dec. 28, 2007) -- Tribal leaders of Khalis and Hibhib in Diyala province held a reconciliation meeting at the Governance Center here Dec. 27. The meeting marked the end of Operation Raider Reaper, a month-long campaign conducted by the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division and several companies of the Iraqi Army 5th Division. The focus of the operation was to clear al-Qaida and insurgents from Diyala province. The meeting focused on keeping the peace post-Raider Reaper, ending sectarian violence and finding a means to bring displaced families back to their homes. Every... ARMY.MIL/News http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1946554/posts#comment Tue, 1 Jan 2008 01:01:27 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1940105/posts ASSIRIYAH — Sunni and Shia tribal sheiks, local government leaders, senior Iraqi Army officials and local Iraqi Police officials from throughout the Taji area recently met at the Prayer Town Hall to continue reconciliation efforts and celebrate the “awakening”—a term used to describe a turning away from sectarianism and violence. More than 200 attendees from the villages of Hor Al Bosh, Sheik Ahmer, Shat Al Taji, Falahat and other areas dined as they discussed issues affecting their villages and ways in which they can improve the quality of life for the people living there. “They decided to have a Sawa... Multi-National Force - Iraq http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1940105/posts#comment Sun, 16 Dec 2007 01:29:52 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1936339/posts NEWS RELEASE HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND 7115 South Boundary Boulevard MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101 Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894 Title: RECONCILIATION TAKES CENTER STAGE ACROSS MULTI-NATIONAL DIVISION - CENTER Release Date: 12/6/2007 Release Number: 07-01-03P Description: CAMP VICTORY, Iraq – The number of Iraqi-led reconciliation efforts swelled over the past two weeks across Multi-National Division – Center as local Iraqi leaders seek to capitalize on an improved security situation by developing the institutions that will enable long-term stability. With Coalition Forces and Iraqi Concerned Local Citizens working increasingly in tandem with the Iraqi Police and Army... Headquarters United States Central Command http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1936339/posts#comment Fri, 7 Dec 2007 21:38:29 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1933591/posts CAMP STRIKER — One of the most prominent sheiks in southern Baghdad recently hosted a high-level reconciliation conference at his home. Sheik Khalif Haloos invited Sunni and Shia sheiks, Iraqi government officials and military leaders to his personal residence in Sadr al-Yusufiyah. Haloos asked the 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment from the 3rd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) to support this meeting by providing assistance with security. Approximately 2,000 tribal and sub-tribal sheiks and members were invited to discuss their solidarity to rid their areas of insurgents, establish essential services and to establish a plan for future prosperity. The... Multi-National Force - Iraq http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1933591/posts#comment Sun, 2 Dec 2007 16:49:27 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1932156/posts Nathan Ritzo: Leaders meet to boost reconciliation efforts in Iraq By NATHAN RITZO Monday, Nov. 26, 2007 Iraqi Shi'ite and Sunni leaders reached out to each other in the District of Taji on Nov. 8 to discuss the future of northern Baghdad Province. The conference was part of the "Taji Awakening," an historic political reconciliation between Iraqi Shi'ites and Sunnis in the region. Shi'ite and Sunni tribal leaders from across Iraq met with officials from the Iraqi government, military and security forces to discuss expanding the new alliance between Iraq's Shi'ite and Sunni communities to combat Al Qaeda's presence in... New Hampshire Union Leader http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1932156/posts#comment Thu, 29 Nov 2007 10:22:10 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1918169/posts Tribal leaders from the northern Diyala River Valley swear on a reconciliation agreement following a meeting at Forward Operating Base Fallock, an Iraqi Army base, Oct. 8. Approximately 70 leaders from Muqdadiya and the surrounding areas gathered to discuss uniting in the fight against terrorism and the way ahead. Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Serena Hayden 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs. BAGHDAD — The Tamimi and Jibouri tribes, the two largest tribes in Iraq’s Diyala province, met Oct. 24 to discuss the importance of reconciliation and signed a fellowship agreement stressing cooperation and friendship between the... Multi-National Force - Iraq http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1918169/posts#comment Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:55:13 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1917002/posts WASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2007 – A remarkable parade in Iraq’s Anbar province, openly attended by citizens from all walks of life, demonstrates that Iraqi reconciliation efforts are working, a coalition commander said today. “Out in al Anbar, which you know has been a difficult area about six months ago: a total change,” Army Brig. Gen. Dave Phillips told online journalists and bloggers during a conference call from Baghdad. “When they say there is an awakening, I think that's almost an understatement.” Phillips, deputy commanding general for the Civilian Police Assistance Training Team, said he personally attended an event earlier this... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1917002/posts#comment Sat, 27 Oct 2007 00:11:44 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1910122/posts MUQDADIYA — Approximately 70 tribal leaders, representing 25 tribes from areas throughout the northern Diyala RiverValley, met at an Iraqi Army base in Muqdadiya to discuss the way ahead and the need to unite in the fight against terrorism, Oct. 8. "The solution to security in Diyala is reconciliation," said Col. David W. Sutherland, commander of Coalition forces in Diyala province. The meeting was organized by the Director General of Tribal Affairs; the Muqdadiya mayor, Mayor Najem Abdullah Ahmed, the leader of the Iraqi Islamic Party in Diyala, Hamdi Hassoun al-Zubaidi, and a key tribal leader in Muqdadiya, Ali Hamid... Multi-National Force - Iraq http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1910122/posts#comment Fri, 12 Oct 2007 04:15:03 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1894843/posts WASHINGTON, Sept. 11, 2007 – There is encouraging evidence of political reconciliation in Iraq despite legislative stalls on key issues, including oil revenue sharing, the top U.S. military commander there said here today. (Video) Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee today that an oil revenue-sharing law has been proposed in Iraq’s Council of Representatives, but no legislation that governs the disbursement of the country’s lucrative resource has been passed. “But Iraq is actually sharing oil revenue. … In fact, (it is) very similar to what is likely to happen... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1894843/posts#comment Tue, 11 Sep 2007 20:09:27 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1893623/posts BAQUBAH — In an effort to build upon the recent success of the Aug. 19 reconciliation agreement between more than 80 leaders from the Diyala River Valley, approximately 40 tribal leaders recently gathered at the Baqubah Government Center to continue their discussions about the importance of reconciliation. The leaders, both Sunni and Shia, represented multiple tribes throughout the Diyala River Valley, with emphasis placed on tribes from Abu Sayda and Mukiesha – two villages that have not worked together in over a year due to tribal infighting. The meeting, hosted by Ra’ad Hameed Al-Mula Jowad Al-Tamimi, Diyala’s governor, allowed the... Multi-National Force - Iraq http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1893623/posts#comment Sun, 9 Sep 2007 20:15:34 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1893449/posts The indications are modest, but consistent. The latest one comes from Loreto, where twelve thousand young people received the sacrament of forgiveness, with the pope's encouragement. And in the seminaries, there's a return of books for studying "cases of conscience" ROMA, September 6, 2007 – During the two-day meeting between Benedict XVI and the young people who flocked to Loreto by the hundreds of thousands from Italy and from many other countries, something happened that was unexpected in terms of its intensity and breadth: mass participation in the sacrament of confession. Between Saturday, September 1, and Sunday, September 2, in... Chiesa http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1893449/posts#comment Sun, 9 Sep 2007 13:22:35 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1887438/posts WASHINGTON, Aug. 27, 2007 – The U.S. provincial reconstruction team in Iraq’s Diyala province is working to connect provincial leaders with Iraq’s central government and foster reconciliation in an area where security is still challenging, the team’s leader said today. The PRT, which was established in April 2006, includes about 46 military and civilian members from various government agencies who work directly with the provincial government, John Melvin Jones said during a conference call with online journalists and “bloggers.” The team’s biggest challenge right now is getting enough involvement in Diyala from other agencies, because the security situation isn’t stable,... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1887438/posts#comment Mon, 27 Aug 2007 23:46:42 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1883959/posts It has been 4 months since my last confession. After each confession I come out thinking, "I am going to do a monthly confession." And then a few months go by and here I am. I finally had to schedule "Confession" on my calendar to ensure I would get in there. I decided to read up on the Sacrament of Reconciliation/Penance/Confession at New Advent. It is good to read what they have to say. Here are a few bullets that jumped out at me. While this sacrament as a dispensation of Divine mercy facilitates the pardoning of sin, it by... Radical Catholic Mom http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1883959/posts#comment Mon, 20 Aug 2007 20:31:02 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1876135/posts Tribes unite to eliminate terrorists. By Multi-National Division–North Public Affairs TIKRIT, Iraq, Aug. 3, 2007 — Eighteen paramount tribal leaders representing 14 of the major tribes in Diyala province, Iraq, swore on the Quran and signed a peace agreement unifying the tribes in the battle against terrorism during a meeting at the Baqubah Government Center Aug. 2. "Let’s build this tent and live under it like one family – all the tribes and all the people of Diyala. You have to be one family." Ra’ad Hameed Al-Mula Jowad Al-Tamimi, governor of Diyala The meeting, led by Ra’ad Hameed Al-Mula Jowad... Defend America News http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1876135/posts#comment Sat, 4 Aug 2007 01:40:25 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1862745/posts Dear Friend of Catholic Answers: True story: Many years ago I was at the cathedral in San Diego for confession. I told the unseen (and now long deceased) priest my sins and waited for his counsel. What I got was: "Why are you wasting my time?" "Pardon me, Father?" I said, thinking I had misheard him. "I asked why are you wasting my time? You had only venial sins to confess. You can have venial sins forgiven by saying an act of contrition or during the penitential rite at Mass. So why are you wasting my time?" Uncharacteristically, I was... Karl Keating's E-Letter http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1862745/posts#comment Sun, 8 Jul 2007 23:08:14 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1842792/posts WASHINGTON, May 31, 2007 – While all eyes are focused on the surge of U.S. troops into Baghdad, a top military commander stressed today that military force alone cannot solve the problems of the country. “While security is important and creating stability for the Iraqi people remains paramount, success cannot be achieved without those diplomatic, political and economic endeavors that also make progress,” said Army Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno, commander of Multinational Corps Iraq. “Therefore, it must be a combination of all of those for us to be successful.” Reconciliation is key to peace in the country. The general estimated... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1842792/posts#comment Fri, 1 Jun 2007 00:21:37 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1820997/posts BAGHDAD, April 20, 2007 – The United States is committed to the success of the fledgling Iraqi government, but not to the indefinite use of American troops to secure Iraq, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today. “The United States sees Iraq as an important regional ally and a vital partner in the global war on terrorism,” Gates said in a news conference at the Iraq Ministry of Defense, in Baghdad’s heavily fortified International Zone. “Our commitment to Iraq is long-term, but it is not a commitment to have our young men and women patrolling Iraq’s streets open-endedly.”... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1820997/posts#comment Sat, 21 Apr 2007 01:20:52 GMT